Student Performance Guidelines:
To print a copy of the Student Performance Guidelines, download a PDF file here .
General
Recitals
Everything about the students’ appearance and demeanor contributes to the overall success of the program. The following suggestions are offered to help achieve professional and personal growth at each event.
By working together and observing these guidelines, we can help to ensure the positive objectives of our organization. Each member’s cooperation is therefore requested and appreciated.
- All student events are open to the public, except for private evaluations.
- All solo performances must be from memory; ensemble performers may use their music.
- All music to be performed must be in the original form intended by the composer (i.e., not a simplified, arranged, abridged version, or a transcription of a work intended for another medium, unless it is an accepted practice for a performer of a non-keyboard instrument to play transcriptions). Certain advanced level piano transcriptions have entered the standard repertoire and may be permitted. Both of these exceptions would need prior approval from the Recital Advisory Council (RAC) before assigning the music for a VCMTA recital performance.
- Students may perform the same work within a given year. They may not, however, perform the same work in the same event in subsequent years.
- No reproductions (either by hand or machine) of printed music may be used or provided for the judges. The only exception to this rule is for music which is out of print or is still in manuscript (not published). In either of these cases, the student must present written permission from the publisher or copyright holder of the music.
- Each teacher who is a member of VCMT may be represented by a total of six (6) minutes playing time with a maximum of two (2) students (or ensemble teams), performing within this 6 minute time limit, except as specified below:
- Exception to the Time-Limit Policy: When time permits, the Recital Advisory Council (RAC) consisting of the Student Activities chairman and the Program Chairman of VCMTA may grant pre-approval for additional playing time for advanced students.
- Exception to the Two-Student-Limit Policy: When time permits, the RAC may grant pre-approval for more than two students per teacher. If requesting more than two students, all necessary information regarding these additional students must be turned in. If the RAC approves additional students to perform on recital, you will be notified.
- Note: Please do not promise more than two students that they will be on the program until approved as outlined above.
- The Recital Advisory Council should be consulted about the suitability of any selection in question.
- VCMTA members should encourage their students to attend Association events as well as other cultural events in the community.
Recitals
- Attractive recital programs (printed on heavy stock to reduce noise) will list the student performers. The names of the participating teachers will be listed at the end of the program.
- The following typewritten information is to be submitted to the Student Activities Chairman no less than ten (10) days before the events:
- Name, age, length of study of each student.
- Complete title (including opus number or other such identification), composer, and performance time of each piece. For works with several movements, provide the tempo indication (or other designation) for each movement to be performed.
- Name, address, and telephone number of teacher.
- Only students (and family members) who can remain for the entire recital will be eligible for the event.
Everything about the students’ appearance and demeanor contributes to the overall success of the program. The following suggestions are offered to help achieve professional and personal growth at each event.
- The student should approach and depart from the instrument in a confident and positive manner.
- Each student must give attention to his or her appearance at the instrument by observing the following:
- Proper position and posture
- Appropriate dress: Recitals, including Student Day recitals, auditions, and competitions provide students the opportunity to learn appropriate performance etiquette and dress. The following guidelines will apply for all VCMTA sponsored events:
- Girls need to wear dresses, skirts or modest length no shorter than two inches above the knees when seated, or dress slacks. No jeans of any kind are permitted. If a skirt or dress pants are worn, then the blouse or shirt (no T-shirts) must be tucked in, or long enough to hang below the waistband of the skirt or pants (when either sitting or standing).
- Boys need to wear dress slacks with a dress or collared shirt (tucked in). Coats and ties are optional. No jeans of any kind are permitted.
- All students must wear dress shoes – no athletic shoes or flip-flops. (Shoes are especially important to the pianist for proper pedaling.)
- Suggestion: For those students who are using the pedal, practice with the shoes you are planning to wear before the recital.
- It is the responsibility of the teacher to see that the performer and his/her family are made aware of these requirements for proper dress. Students who arrive at a performance or competition in clothing that is deemed inappropriate will not be permitted to play.
- Chewing gum, long fingernails, obstructive jewelry or corsages will detract from the student’s concentration and appearance.
- Only students who can listen appreciatively to the entire program should participate.
- A key aspect of success is each student’s response to the audience’s applause. The student should bow graciously before and after the performance. Applause between selections may be acknowledged with a courteous nod.
- Because cameras and portable tape recorders can be distracting to performers, their use will not be allowed. Students may pose for pictures after the performance. (This information must be printed on recital programs.)
- Each year, the objectives and requirements for student events will be discussed at the beginning of the school term; this can be part of a general meeting or a special presentation for new members.
- Appropriate publicity will increase the effectiveness of the VCMTA objectives in serving the community.
- By being alert to publicity opportunities, each member of VCMTA becomes an active part of our growth and development.
By working together and observing these guidelines, we can help to ensure the positive objectives of our organization. Each member’s cooperation is therefore requested and appreciated.